Personally, and this is only my opinion here, but they needn't buy the program to look at the competition or create a competitive product. DAZ has been around and worked side by side with Poser since pretty much it's beginning. So they are well aware already of how the basic program works and current improvements that can be made to enhance the sellability of that software package. Add to that the fact that, here on a public forum, there is a Beta Test going on about the current build of Poser 5 and they have every ability to go in there and find out what problems Poser 5 is experiencing without even having to buy the application. Also, to further add, it isn't a mystery what modules have been added to Poser 5, since those modules are third party development, and all DAZ needs do is call the respective 3rd Party companies and negotiate with them the ability to utilize and incorporate these same modules in their own program without ever needing to purchase Poser 5. Furthermore, there is also the public here and other forums, who continue to post enough of their "Wish List", desires and complaints which provides a starting point for a Poser-like program without ever needing to purchase the competitive product... Also, by not purchasing it, a company like Curious Labs would have a difficult time making any allegation that DAZ had disesmbled the Poser code to create their competitive product. So no, it isn't necessary to purchase Poser 5 to create a competitive product. All of the tools and information to do so have been provided here (and at other Poser sites) publically for free... without having to spend one dime. :o) Jack